Vatican Defrocks and Excommunicates Australian Priest Over Support for Gays and Women

An Australian priest who founded Inclusive Catholics has been given his marching orders by the Vatican, under Pope Francis, The Age reports:

Dissident priest Greg Reynolds has been both defrocked and excommunicated over his support for women priests and gays – the first person ever excommunicated in Melbourne, he believes.

The order comes direct from the Vatican, not at the request of Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart, and apparently follows a secret denunciation in the best traditions of the inquisition, according to Father Reynolds.

The excommunication document – written in Latin and giving no reason – was dated May 31, meaning it comes under the authority of Pope Francis who made headlines on Thursday calling for a less rule-obsessed church.

Said Reynolds:

''I've come to this position because I've followed my conscience on women's ordination and gay marriage.''